Update (October 2026)
This June 2020 round is closed and the criteria below are historical. NSW now nominates for the 491 visa through set pathways with limited places, and its criteria change each program year. See our NSW nomination requirements page and the latest migration news (October 2026) for current rules.
NSW has removed the 12 month living and working requirement and currently only requires you to meet Department of Home Affairs’ requirements for the 491 visa and:
- have an occupation on the NSW Stream 1 Regional Skilled Occupation List, and;
- be currently living in a designated regional area of NSW
NSW immigration is accepting for NSW nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), opened on Monday 15 June 2020 and extended accepting applications to 5pm Friday 26 June 2020.
Frequently asked questions (June 2020 round)
How do I satisfy the employment requirement?
Your employment must meet Home Affairs’ requirements for skilled employment. For more information, please refer to Points table for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
Can I move to regional NSW now and become eligible?
You cannot move to a designated regional area in NSW to satisfy NSW nomination requirements for this visa. Your place of residence must already be well established and demonstrated through evidence such as: rental payments, rental agreements, bank statements showing purchases and utility, phone or internet bills.
The below requirements do not need to be met for a 491 NSW nomination:
Does my employment for the last 12 months need to be with the same employer?
No, you may have been employed by more than one employer in regional NSW during the last 12 months to satisfy this requirement (removed requirement).
Does my employment for the last 12 months need to be continuous?
Yes, you need to have been continuously employed in regional NSW for at least the last 12 months (removed requirement).
If you have been employed in more than one job during the last 12 months, the gap in between your jobs should not have been for more than one month.
What are the requirements for who can employ me?
Your employer must be registered in Australia and operating in regional NSW (removed requirement).
Australian Migration News: October 2026 Update
Student visa changes from 2 October 2026
After Graduation in Australia: Key PR Pathways for International Students in 2026
What the New Migration Reforms Mean for You
Australia Stops New International Student Enrolments in Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning)